Synopsis
Apparently in answer to a mystic’s prophecy, Godzilla returns to wreak havoc. But he doesn’tsound like himself, and battles long-time friend Anguirus. When the real Godzilla turns up, madas hell, the imposter is revealed as the cyborg Mechagodzilla, controlled by aliens from “the thirdblack hole in space.” The first fight ends in a draw, and while the robot is being repaired, ourhuman characters race to summon another monster, King Caesar, who, it is hoped, will help fightt…e invader.
This film marked the first appearance of Mechagodzilla, a character who has since returnedseveral times, though a human creation since the 90s. This is far from the best Godzilla film, andthe star is in full superhero mode, revealing hitherto unsuspected (and rather silly) powers. Thealiens when wounded, morph into the cheesiest green apes imaginable. And the monster battlesare largely relegated to the countryside. Still, the stock footage is well integrated with the newmaterial, and the movie unspools as bright, bouncy fun.
Audio
The mono sound is crisp and clean, and undistorted. Granted, hearing the numerousexplosions and roars in stereo and surround would have been nice, but let’s not get greedy. Thebig plus here, though, is that, for the first time ever in North America, the dialogue can be heardin the original Japanese.
Video
The other wonderful feature about this release is the 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect.Couple that with a pristine print (with wonderfully bright colours, no speckles and no grain), andwe are really seeing this movie for the first time this side of the Pacific.
Special Features
Nothing really here except some trailers (including a teaser for the for the forthcomingTokyo SOS and a quick ad for the new Godzilla video game). The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
The disc is bare bones, but the transfer is a fabulous treat. At long last, the Godzilla films arebeing given a proper release.
Special Features List
- Trailers
